Malpas brings together Lac de Malpas and its peatland landscape with a distinctive local history: the small glacial lake borders the village, while the church with its Comtois bell tower offers a cultural counterpoint. Two main themes therefore stand out when planning a stay: the wetlands and circular walk around the lake, and the historic church.
Glacial Lake and Wetlands
Lac de Malpas is a small glacial lake in a wooded combe at an altitude of 925 metres. It borders the village of Malpas and lies entirely within a Natura 2000 site. The protected landscape extends beyond the water: wetlands of great ecological importance have developed around the lake and the streams Bief Belin and Ruisseau de Malpas.
These habitats include neutroclinal and alkaline fens, active and wooded raised bogs, tall-herb communities, willow scrub and floating mats of vegetation. The peat bogs of Malpas are particularly well preserved. The Natura 2000 site “Lac et tourbières de Malpas, les prés Partot et le bief Belin” is home to numerous rare and protected animal and plant species. A variety of wetland habitats thus shape the landscape around the lake and streams, not just the shoreline of Lac de Malpas.
Circular Walk around Lac de Malpas
The Tour du Lac de Malpas is an easy 4.9-kilometre circular walk that takes about an hour. The route is marked in yellow and blue and has route number 6. The start and finish are at Place de l’Église in Petit Malpas. The walk is therefore a practical nature outing to include in your stay; the approximate duration is a guide, and personal breaks may require additional time. Check trail conditions, markings and parking options locally.
Church and Regional Woodcarving
Malpas church was built between 1726 and 1728. Its characteristic Comtois bell tower was restored from April to June 2003 after being damaged in the 1999 storm. The building’s history therefore includes both its original construction and a later conservation phase.
The walls of the side aisles and choir are lined with 18th-century wood panelling. The church’s furnishings include side altars, a high altar and a pulpit. These works are associated with the Baroque tradition of regional woodcarving and are listed in the supplementary register of historic monuments. The building’s history and interior furnishings thus offer different perspectives on the church, from its Comtois bell tower to the region’s craft traditions.
The different themes can help you decide what to focus on: the circular walk is described by its distance and approximate duration, while the church is characterised mainly by its history, bell tower and furnishings. You can therefore include Malpas in your travel plans as a nature destination, a cultural attraction, or both.
Discover more destinations: Villars-Sous-Écot, Les Grangettes, Grandfontaine-Sur-Creuse, Arc-Et-Senans, Ornans, École-Valentin, Hauterive-La-Fresse, Montbeliardot.
For the broader travel overview: Doubs.
